In the new world of the coronavirus outbreak, Camden Council made an early decision to leave all their gardens open 24/7 to ease the burden on staff having to lock and unlock. In last week’s sunny weather, locals understandably headed for the gardens for exercise and fresh air. Family groups with children were playing in St George’s Gardens but numbers were limited in the other gardens.

The University locked the gardens in Gordon and Woburn Squares and the Marchmont Community Garden also stayed shut, as there is no space to keep the approved distance apart.

Gordon Square closed and empty

This week, signs appeared on all entrances advising garden users to keep a safe distance from other users.

The latest cold snap has seen a dip in visitor numbers, with only the odd jogger and mother with toddler to be seen out and about.

unusually quiet Russell Square